The artwork “Suitors,” created by Walter Crane in 1893, is an illustration that belongs to the Neo-Romanticism art movement. It is part of the artwork series titled “Columbia’s Courtship.”
The artwork presents a group of men, each distinct in appearance and attire, symbolizing laborers from various backgrounds. At the center, a man dressed in a white apron holds a book and a scroll, representing knowledge and hard work. Surrounding him are three other men, each characterized by unique clothing and expressions, indicating diverse origins and professions. A black man in a white garment sits on the ground, emphasizing the theme of inclusion and varied races. The background and decorative borders exhibit intricate patterns, and a poem on the left side encapsulates the essence of seeking fortune and home in a new land, underscoring a spirit of aspiration and multicultural unity. The border at the top reads, “And other suitors from over the water put in their claims,” reinforcing the motif of overseas migration and contribution to Columbia, a personification of America.
